CELL PHONE HEADSET RECALLS OLD TECHNOLOGY

Every so often, I think I have seen it all when it comes to technology and then something comes along that makes me realize that there's always room for more. This time, it happened to me again when I discovered something new that's really old for your cell phone. I think what makes this item great is that it's so very, very wrong.

Nostalgia is a wonderful thing, especially when it's applied to technology.
Recently I wrote a column about a software emulator that simulates an old Apple II computer using a modern Macintosh. In fact there are many such emulators available online that simulate computing relics such as the TRS-80, Atari, Commodore Pet and just about every other oldie from decades ago. If you want more blast from the past, you can find emulators for just about every gaming system as well.

For those of you who wax nostalgic for the old classic adventure games like the Zork series and Adventure where you had to use your imagination rather than your eyes, you may be excited to know that there are efforts being made to develop new text-only games of that ilk. But these new games are being enhanced with today's technology for a lot more interaction. And they'll run on the iPod and other portable devices in addition to your PC.

Now let's take a closer look at the cell phone. I'm seeing more ear pieces being used with them, especially the newer, wireless Bluetooth models that let you access the cell phone in your pocket. The coolest looking models clip onto your ear and usually have a blue, glowing light. Some even offer voice recognition so you can dial out and answer the phone without having to press anything. That's today's modern cell phone headset. And then there's the Retro Phone Handset.

I ask you to try and visualize the following moment. There you are, walking down a crowded street or sitting in a public venue like a restaurant when your cell phone rings. You reach into your jacket pocket, or your briefcase or your pocketbook to answer the phone. But what you pull out isn't some sleek little cell phone or a tiny earpiece. No. You pull out a really big hunk of beautiful, hefty, jet-black molded plastic that is a perfect production replica of the Western Electric 500-series model telephone handset complete with the black curly phone line cord attached! Just imagine the reactions you're going to get with this bad boy.

The Retro Phone Handset has been slightly modified so that it will work with the headset jack of most cell phones or via a hands free adapter kit that must be purchased separately. According to the instructions, the Retro Phone Handset will work with most cell phones that offer a 2.5 millimeter jack.

The unit comes with the handset and the classic curly phone cord with connector. Simply plug the handset into your cell phone and away you go.
Just envision yourself walking along, talking on the phone with your cell phone in your pants pocket and the Retro Phone up to your ear. Nostalgia aside, if you're the type that likes standing out in a crowd, if you want to dial to a different drummer, then this is certainly going to do it for you.
I can't wait to order mine. Maxwell Smart, eat your heart out.

The Retro Phone Handset is available online from Think Geek and sells for $34.99.

www.thinkgeek.com